Displayed at the Florida Museum in 2016, this exhibition highlights research on Earth’s increasing sea level rise – largely in response to climate change. Learn about the science behind sea level rise and the special challenges Florida faces. Discover current University of Florida research, explore evidence found by local residents and scientists as well as steps being taken to help communities adapt for the future.
Three 48″x35″ exhibit panels explore sea level rise and its effects on Florida (final display 12 feet long)
Two 48″x35″ exhibit panels explore current research and responses to sea level rise (final display 8 feet long)
Understanding Global Sea Level Rise Learn about the causes of Earth’s rising seas. Examine evidence found by state residents including pictures that illustrate the effects of sea level rise on Florida’s coastal communities.
Florida’s Future Identify the areas of Florida most affected by sea level rise.
University of Florida and Communities Contribute Discover current UF research and strategies to help communities understand and adapt to rising seas.
Global sea level rise is the current increase in average height of all the Earth’s oceans relative to land. Records from tidal gauges show sea level increased about 8 inches from 1880 to 2009.
Geologists have found that sea levels change throughout Earth’s history when temperatures and carbon dioxide levels rise and fall.
The primary factors for current sea level rise related to global warming are an increase of water from melting land ice and the expansion of sea water as it warms.
Florida is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. Much of the state is at or near sea level and most of Florida’s nearly 20 million residents live less than 60 miles from the ocean.
The Florida Museum invites you to build your own exhibition! Download high-resolution exhibit panels that are ready to print and hang at your institution. Native files are available upon request to tailor the exhibit to your region. For more information, contact the Exhibits Coordinator at 352-273-2073 or travelingexhibits@floridamuseum.ufl.edu.
Complete the information below to download the exhibit panel files.
A special thanks to our collaborators:
The University of Florida departments of Urban and Regional Planning, Geological Sciences, and Biology
The University of Florida Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment
